Vet`s Corner – Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Vet’s Corner – Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
This is a disease of the immune system that has the most visible impact on the
nose. The exact cause is unknown but is the second most common immune
skin disease seen in vet practice. Only very rarely will a dog with DLE develop
systemic (internal) signs leading to a condition called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus).
Exposure to sunlight can cause
clinical signs to become worse in
some dogs but not all, and thus
improve with UV protection. There
are also certain breeds that have a
predisposition to develop the disease
and this is likely through genetics.
Initially there is loss of colour
(de-pigmentation), reddening and
scaling to the nose. Ulcers and crusts/
scabs then start to develop and can
extend into the surrounding haired
area. There can sometimes also be
loss of colour around the eyes and
lips although this is less common. The
nose starts to loose its “cobblestone”
appearance and becomes smooth.
DLE should not be confused with
Pemphigus Foliaceus (PF) which is the
most common immune skin disease
seen. PF also involves de-pigmentation
to the nose, but unlike DLE, there is
crusting to the muzzle, around the
eyes, and ears.
The feet, footpads and groin are
also commonly affected. Thus the
clinical signs are more generalised
than with DLE and can lead to pain,
itching and lethargy. It does not
however become internal. Sometimes
just the feet are affected, often
leading to thickened footpads.
Diagnosis can be made for both
skin diseases by taking a sample of
the affected skin under sedation or
general anaesthetic (biopsy) and
histology performed at a specialised
laboratory.
Treatment for DLE consists of UV
protection or better still sun avoidance,
particularly during the middle part of
the day. Topical corticosteroid creams
can help, and vitamin E orally or as
a cream. Treatment is for the life of
the dog with the disease often having
periods of improvement and then
getting worse.
Treatment for PE however is more
intensive, consisting of corticosteroids
and other immune drugs depending
on response to treatment.
The frustrations of skin disease:
“They say dermatologists never loose
a patient, they never die and they
never go away”.
n
Lynne Robinson BVSc
DLE starting to affect Cilla’s nose with scabs forming.
www.GreyhoundsAsPets.org.nz
11